State Senator Roger Niello, District 6 | Official U.S. Senate headshot
State Senator Roger Niello, District 6 | Official U.S. Senate headshot
A state audit released today sheds light on the reasons for the worsening homelessness crisis in California, revealing a lack of accountability for the billions of dollars allocated towards addressing the issue. Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa) and Senator Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks) spearheaded the bipartisan effort to request the audit, which uncovered significant shortcomings in the state's approach to tackling homelessness.
Senator Ochoa Bogh emphasized the importance of identifying effective solutions, stating, "Far too many people are living, and dying, on the streets without accountability for programs that are supposed to be serving them." She sees the audit as a crucial first step towards addressing the crisis and remains dedicated to finding solutions.
Senator Niello highlighted the concerning paradox facing California, where despite spending over $24 billion on homelessness in the past five years, the homeless population continues to grow. He called for a shift towards solutions that prioritize self-sufficiency and cost-effectiveness in addressing the issue.
The audit uncovered several key findings, including the state's failure to track and report on funding for homelessness programs, lack of consistent methods for gathering information on program costs and outcomes, and neglect in ensuring the accuracy of data used to evaluate program success.
Senate Minority Leader Jones (R-San Diego) acknowledged the complexity of the homelessness crisis, stating, "There is no single solution to solving the homelessness crisis, but this audit rightfully put a microscope on the issue." He expressed hope that meaningful policies will be advanced to assist the unhoused population and prevent further growth in homelessness.
The audit results serve as a wake-up call for policymakers and stakeholders to reevaluate their approach to addressing homelessness in California. The findings underscore the urgency of implementing data-driven policies and ensuring accountability in funding allocation to effectively combat the crisis.
Alerts Sign-up